Gardens

How to: Create a whimsical terrarium

Gardens

How to: Create a whimsical terrarium

People have been creating terrariums for years, typically in square glass containers the size of small aquariums. But all of a sudden, there seems to be a multitude of fantastic glass containers available, as well as endless
Pinterest boards we love and a few how-to books on the subject. So, what’s the appeal? “Terrariums have always been in style, but with the playful nature of combining vintage items in a contemporary setting, their popularity seems higher than ever,” says Sara Jameson, owner of
Sweetpea’s, a flower shop in Toronto. “They give us the opportunity to design a rainforest, desert or whatever our imaginations can come up with, all housed in a way that you can, quite literally, have the whole world in your hands.”

The right environment makes these little worlds low-maintenance, and they are perfect for those who don’t have much, if any, space to garden. “As you create one, it becomes an extension of your style and provides the opportunity to showcase your own signature style,” explains Sara.

Find the perfect containers for your whimsical world The first thing you need to do is decide on a container. Traditional terrariums have a lid, so that you can trap the humidity needed for tropical plants to survive. But lately, terrariums are being designed with a bit of a twist. They have both large and small openings and are available in a variety of interesting, spherical shapes—some even come with built-in hooks so you can hang them. There are all sorts of options for this style of
indoor gardening.

“In the shop, we use any container we can get our hands on,” says Sara. “They can be everything from large, vintage bell jars to Mason jars, or even discarded light fixtures. Given the right container, anything is possible.”

Gather the right growing mediumThe plants you choose will determine what type of soil you need. For air plants (tillandsia) that don’t root or need constant watering (a weekly misting will do), you can use a fine-grain sand. However for more tropical plants, you want to create a layered effect, with pebbles or decorative rocks on the bottom, a layer of charcoal and then potting soil. The activated charcoal, which you can find at most aquarium stores, acts as a filter for closed terrariums and neutralizes the odours from decaying matter. “It is a good idea to do some research on the type of terrarium you want to create and how best to create the eco-system so that it comes self-sufficient,” recommends Sara.

Choose your blooms and accessoriesLook for miniature
houseplants at nurseries and flower shops, such as maidenhair and asparagus ferns, wild strawberries, sweet violets, English ivy and fittonia. A little layer of moss camouflages the potting soil. Mini carnivorous tropicals, like Venus flytraps and sundews, also work well in a moist environment. Succulents are another interesting, low-maintenance option.

Another thing that Sara emphasizes is the fact that sometimes you don’t need plants at all! “If plants are not your strong suit, think of how you can use inanimate objects to fill your container,” she says. “Birds' eggs, feathers, decorative pebbles, pieces of crushed terracotta pots, even pages from old books, or other found objects … you are only limited by your own imagination.”

We’ve gathered a bit of inspiration to help you start your
terrarium shopping list.
A great bookOne of Jameson’s favourite terrarium inspiration books is
Terrarium Craft by Amy Bryant Aiello and Kate Bryant.
Amazon,
$16.57.
Hanging terrariumsHang a single terrarium or loop several together to make a terrarium chandelier!
CB2,
$6.95.
Tiny toolsThese little tools are perfect for maneuvering around small spaces.
Anthropologie,
$48.
Teardrop terrariumsThese terrariums don’t need much added to stand out—sand and air plants make a statement.
indigo.ca,
$19.50 - $39.50.
Large terrariumsCreate a grouping with these deep, glass terrariums on stands.
West Elm,
$62 - $72.

House Tours

Style meets sentiment in this pretty-in-pink holiday home

For lifestyle blogger Monika Hibbs, Christmas is all about sentiment and style. Here are 12 ways she pulls off a fresh look filled with meaning to commemorate a family milestone.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without family and tradition, sure, but in Monika Hibbs’s home, Christmas also wouldn’t be complete without her signature styling. Based just outside of Fort Langley, B.C., the blogger, who has quickly become a master of holiday decor, switches up her style almost every year. But regardless of the theme, these aspects always remain: A classic look and neutral scheme, metallic touches, a hint of whimsy and sheer covetability. Seasonal styling is a talent Monika has honed since she was a little girl. “Even when I was young, I loved adorning the tree and wrapping gifts,” she says. “Plus, my mom always let me be in charge of floral arrangements and tablescapes.”

Now that Monika has her own family (including hubby Troy, three-year-old Liam and 11- month-old Lillya), she shares the tasks with her children. “Liam’s really into it,” says Monika. “He decorates cookies, hangs ornaments and arranges the manger.” Though Lillya is too young to get involved, her arrival just two weeks before last Christmas inspired the entire feminine theme, executed with dusty rose-hued accents like tea light holders, wrapping paper and delicate raw silk ribbon.

Holiday decorating with the kids isn’t the only tradition the Hibbses have – they enjoy hot chocolate by their outdoor fireplace in the evenings and always make time for charity. But a highlight is taking the Bright Nights Christmas Train through Stanley Park with Troy’s family. “There’s around 60 of us – we fill the whole train,” says Monika, noting that the park is lit with millions of lights – perhaps the perfect place for this family-oriented champion of Christmas who also happens to have a penchant for sparkle.

1 Lifestyle blogger and unofficial queen of fresh and elegant holiday decor Monika Hibbs has three main tips for trimming a tree: Start with a colour scheme (“You don’t have to use every ornament in your box – save the ones that don’t suit your theme for another year,” she advises); instead of buying one-off ornaments, go for groups of three for visual impact; and organize them by category (like glass balls or felted figures) before hanging them to ensure balanced distribution.

2 “There’s something special about a fire this time of year,” says Monika. The one here in her family room is not the only staple flame of the season – tea lights are strewn on surfaces throughout the house, and the outdoor fireplace plays host to many a morning coffee or evening cocoa. “I love a fire’s warmth and random crackles, which add to the magic of the holidays.”

3 Style meets sentiment in chic pieces that commemorate family milestones, such as the decorative houses arranged on Monika’s fireplace mantel. “Each one represents a huge moment for us, from the purchase of our first home to the construction of this one,” she says. “And I write a note on the bottom of each so I never forget.”

4 Monika doesn’t switch out much of her everyday decor come Christmastime. In fact, furniture placement, artwork and accents mostly stay the same, save for a few toss cushions that get traded for more festive ones.

5 When it comes to garlands, Monika goes all out: She orders a massive length of fresh cedar (last year it was 75 feet!) to string along her banister, mantel, exterior trim and garage. She starts by measuring everything she wants to adorn and then adds an extra foot of cedar for every four feet to accommodate swag. Here, the garland is garnished with eucalyptus, cypress, pine cones and raw silk bows with cascading tails for a fresh, feminine look.

6 “You don’t need to cook an entire sit-down dinner for each of the season’s many parties,” says Monika, who prefers to prep for a holiday drop-in with comfort foods like homemade apple pie. “It’s elegant but cozy,” she explains.

7 Roses may be unconventional Christmas flowers, but they’re perfectly suited to Monika’s pretty-in-pink theme. “Originally, I wanted this piece to be a garland that wrapped around the whole range hood,” says Monika. “But it didn’t look right, so I downsized the idea. It’s perfect proof that sometimes less is more.”

8 A simple wreath hung with thick ribbon serves as another example of less is more and offers a wink of holiday spirit in an otherwise unadorned area.

10 No matter her holiday scheme, Monika tends to stick to neutrals when picking gift wrap. “I usually choose paper with subtle patterns, such as snowflakes or polka dots,” she says. “But I always wrap the kids’ presents in something more playful.”

11 Born six weeks after the Hibbses moved into this house and two weeks before Christmas, baby Lillya was the main source of inspiration for the home’s festive decor last year, marked by the powder pink and dusty rose accents with feminine touches. Monika purchased the “Hello Lovely” ornament in honour of Lillya’s birth to serve as a beautiful reminder of when they welcomed her into the world.

12 From the Fort Langley, B.C., shopping bag to the plaid scarf and blanket to the warm winter boots and even the skull mount, there’s always a hint of Canadiana in Monika’s winter decor.

Organizing Ideas

99 low-cost organizing tips

Organizing Ideas

99 low-cost organizing tips

Getting and staying organized isn't easy. If you're struggling to conquer clutter once and for all, our simple 99 organizing tips should help get you started.

We know, we know: getting organized at home can be easier vowed than done. But even if you’re short on time (and budget), there are dozens of ways you can get your house in order. Here are 99 of our favourite low-cost organizing tips; many of them are environmentally friendly, too!

A stunning kitchen design that proves open display may require more organization, but it's so beautiful it's worth it!Author: Janis Nicolay

1 Use old baby-food jars to hold spices. Stash them in a drawer upside down so this recycling trick looks sleek, not cheap.

2 Store all your instruction manuals in one binder in the kitchen or pantry.

3 Collect your takeout menus in a binder. Or stuff them into a Ziploc bag and stash 'em – where else? – in the fridge or cupboard.

4 Use a cardboard six-pack container to carry condiments from kitchen to deck in BBQ-casual style.

5 Keep a tray or basket on the kitchen counter where kids can drop off permission slips and adults can put mail requiring immediate action. A second tray can handle lower-priority paperwork.

6 Don’t waste time constantly topping up cereal-sized food storage containers with dog or cat kibble. Use a metal trashcan to store one bag at a time in rodent-proof style.

7 Use a recharging station to keep your cell phone, MP3 player and other portable device cords untangled and your gadgets fully charged.

28 Store batteries in plastic berry baskets until you’re ready to drop them off at the recycling centre.

29 Ditto for compact fluorescent bulbs and orchard fruit baskets.

30 Big, busy family? Paint one entire wall in your mudroom in chalkboard paint so everyone can easily leave messages for one another.

31 Keep one basket per person in your mudroom or front entrance, so everyone knows where to drop off/find their personal on-the-go essentials like keys, bags, homework etc.

32 Designate a back-to-car zone by your entranceway, and put anything there that requires returning to the trunk – i.e. reusable grocery bags, empties – so the next person to use the car will remember to bring them.

33 Remove the front and back from a picture frame and string rows of wire across the centre. Hang it or lean it against the wall and hook earrings onto each wire.

45 For preschoolers too young to use hangers with ease, install a low bar in the closet and simply drape dresses and pants across it to keep them wrinkle-free and easily accessible.

46 Have your child plan their wardrobe one school week at a time. Store outfits within five stacking cubbies or on five combination hangers (hangers with a bar and clips to hold pants as well as a top) to streamline their morning routine.

47 Keep sheet sets organized by folding and storing the fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcase inside the second pillowcase.

48 If you don’t want to buy stacking shoeboxes, recycle the cardboard boxes your shoes came in by cutting out a panel at one end for visibility and ventilation.

73 Hold onto paint chips, fabric swatches and brochures from your last redecorating session. You never know when you’ll need to reference them. Store them in an accordion file.

74 On your mudroom wall, hammer in two nails, then string wire between them. Provide clothes pegs and have your kids hang their wet mittens and gloves to dry overnight.

75 Banish tiny piles of coins and start saving in style. Get a designer piggy bank and keep it by the entranceway, laundry or kitchen—wherever you’d like to dump your change.

76 Tired of that circa-90s cast-iron pot rack? Move it from the kitchen to the garage or potting shed and use it to keep garden tools organized.

77 Get – and use – a garden hose caddy.

78 Edit your hangers. Choose: wire, plastic or wood and unify the hangers in every closet.

79 Use pillboxes to stash your earrings and rings when traveling.

80 Use a soda-can dispenser in the fridge so you can access your pop easily without tipping.

81 Use a wall-mounted broom and mop holder, or tie ribbon loops on the end of poles and hang them from hooks in your closet, garage or utility closet.

82 Make a party kit. Stash napkins, extra glassware and plates, votive candles and holders, extra vases, cocktail picks and other necessities in an old wine crate and pull it out pre-party or pre-holiday entertaining so you don’t waste valuable cupboard space.

83 Use a binder to store all medical records and information for everyone in your family, including each pet. Use dividers for each family member and include plastic pouches or expandable pockets to contain receipts and tiny record cards.

96 Mount a magnetized knife rack to a wall in your utility closet or basement, to keep your most commonly used screwdrivers and wrenches handy, not buried in the toolbox.

97 Donate your battery-powered emergency flashlights and stock up on windup models so you never have to worry about replacing batteries.

98 Stop stressing over the emergency preparedness kit the Canadian government recommends all families have. Just make one and get on with your life. Visit getprepared.ca to learn what to put in it. Stash it in a rolling suitcase so it’s mobile in case you have to be, too.

99 Plan a closet clean-out once per season. Less mess makes staying organized a lot easier.

8 home office essentials every #GirlBoss needs

Office

8 home office essentials every #GirlBoss needs

Boost your productivity while working from home with these inspiring office essentials.

If you work from home, carving out a quiet space to concentrate is important. But this space doesn’t need to simply be functional. It should also be inspiring and motivating. It should encourage you to do your best work. How? We’ve rounded up a selection of home office essentials that will help to spark your creativity!

Photo Gallery

8 home office essentials every #GirlBoss needs

1 Good Things Come to Those Who Hustle print

Need a few words of encouragement to get you through the work day? When you’re running low on motivation, simply remind yourself that ‘Good Things Come to Those Who Hustle’. This charming print will not only look great hanging on the wall of your home office but it’ll give you that extra incentive to get stuff done. Best of all, this print is an instant download so why not download and print it right now? Good Things Come to Those Who Hustle Print, Purposeful Printables on Etsy, $2.59.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Natalie DiScala
Source: Etsy

8 home office essentials every #GirlBoss needs

2 Schumacher Birds and Butterflies wallpaper

Add a burst of colour and whimsy to your home office by wallpapering a feature wall using Schumacher’s ‘Birds and Butterflies’ wallpaper. This popular pattern is a revival from a 1960s pattern in the company’s archives. Brought back to life for a modern era, this wallpaper will inspire your own flights of fancy as you work. Schumacher Birds and Butterflies Wallpaper, Schumacher, see website for details.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Natalie DiScala
Source: Schumacher

8 home office essentials every #GirlBoss needs

3 Motivational wall decal

If wallpaper is too permanent a choice, opt for something temporary like a wall decal. This motivational wall decal is just the thing to inspire you in your creative pursuits. Easy to apply and easy to remove without leaving damage to your walls, this wall decal comes in 40 different colour options. Motivational Wall Decal, TweetHeart Wall Art on Etsy, $18.21.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Natalie DiScala
Source: Etsy

8 home office essentials every #GirlBoss needs

4 Metal photo clip string set

Bring your Pinterest boards to life with this metal photo clip string set. Featuring 12 photo clips on a five-foot string, this set will help you keep all those tear sheets and inspired ideas front and centre in your home office, instead of buried under a pile on your desk! Metal Photo Clip String Set, Urban Outfitters, $14.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Natalie DiScala
Source: Urban Outfitters

8 home office essentials every #GirlBoss needs

5 Animal Kingdom colouring book and coloured pencils

It’s not uncommon to hit a wall during a long work day. When you need a break to get your creative juices flowing, try colouring! Adult colouring books are all the rage these days and when you sit down with one, you’ll understand why. More than just a throwback to your childhood, this beautifully illustrated book is bound to unleash your own creativity. Animal Kingdom Colouring Book and Coloured Pencils, Indigo, $25.34.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Natalie DiScala
Source: Indigo

8 home office essentials every #GirlBoss needs

6 Reclaimed wood shelving and brackets

Hang sturdy shelves on your home office walls to display favourite items. Not only will they add visual interest to your space but they’ll provide room for photographs, books and other odds and ends that you draw inspiration from. These shelves, made from reclaimed pine, will look right at home in almost any space! Reclaimed Wood Shelving + Brackets, West Elm, starting at $69.99.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Natalie DiScala
Source: West Elm

8 home office essentials every #GirlBoss needs

7 Fresh flowers

Research indicates that fresh plants and flowers aren’t just pretty additions to your home. They are said to boost your mood, spark creativity, reduce stress and promote concentration. And on top of all that, they’ll add a beautiful touch to your workspace. Seems like there are plenty of reasons to add a vase of fresh blooms to your desk!

Image by: Style at Home
By: Natalie DiScala
Source: Tracey Ayton

8 home office essentials every #GirlBoss needs

8 Framed chalkboard

An oversized chalkboard is perfect for jotting down notes, to-do lists and ideas that come to you throughout the day. Even use it as a jumbo doodle pad! Just don’t ever let your best ideas slip away because you didn’t record them. Framed Chalkboard, Pottery Barn, $99.

9 display-worthy DIY Advent calendars

DIY Projects

9 display-worthy DIY Advent calendars

Once December hits, we’re in full Christmas countdown mode, from the catchy holiday jingles that ring out on the radio to the chocolate Advent calendars that we can’t wait to break into each morning (sweets for breakfast? We’ll roll with it). But if you feel like switching things up this year, ditch the pre-bought chocolate Advent and opt for one of these decorative DIY versions instead.

Photo Gallery

9 display-worthy DIY Advent calendars

Lattice Advent calendar

This inventive Advent calendar by Lexy Ward of the lifestyle blog Proper is also super simple to create. Start by embellishing 24 muslin bags with craft paint, then number each with stamps and secure the bags to a white lattice using washi tape. Don’t forget to stuff the bags full of holiday goodies when you’re done! See here for detailed instructions.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Brittany Devenyi
Source: Ashley Swapp

9 display-worthy DIY Advent calendars

Birch branch Advent calendar

Stylist Tara Ballantyne is somewhat of a mastermind when it comes to DIY projects. This year, she's ringing in the holidays with a handmade Scandi-inspired birch branch Advent calendar. Learn how to make it yourself here.

9 display-worthy DIY Advent calendars

Dixie cup Advent calendar

Follow the footsteps of Toronto-based blogger Lucy Akins (the face behind the blog Craftberry Bush) and create a playful Advent garland. Start by covering Dixie cups in colourful construction paper and attach craft wire to each cup. Then use clothespins to hang all 24 from strips of festive ribbon. Find easy step-by-step instructions here.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Brittany Devenyi
Source: Lucy Akins

9 display-worthy DIY Advent calendars

Fireplace Advent calendar

This stylish calendar by Canadian decor blogger Jennifer Flores of Rambling Renovators has the power to infuse any space with character. The DIYer simply tied cotton bags to a piece of twine and strung the finished product along a fireplace mantel. The beautiful accent has already become one of her family’s favourite holiday traditions.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Brittany Devenyi
Source: Stacey Brandford

9 display-worthy DIY Advent calendars

Nature-inspired Advent calendar

Come winter, the more natural elements that decorate your home, the better. This bucket and branch Advent calendar by photographer Caroline Singletary will instantly warm up your space, especially if you fill each bucket with handmade Christmas ornaments and other rustic finds. See here for how to craft your own.

9 display-worthy DIY Advent calendars

Envelope Advent calendar

We’re already used to envelopes bearing gifts in one form or another, but rarely do we get to rip one open 24 days in a row. ‘Tis the time to start a new tradition with this elegant DIY Advent calendar from UK-based designer Veronika Pollard. Learn how to make it here.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Brittany Devenyi
Source: Veronika Pollard

9 display-worthy DIY Advent calendars

Tree branch Advent calendar

For a more whimsical take on the traditional Advent calendar, follow Vancouver-based designer Angela Robinson’s approach and create one using tree branches and handmade moss nests. As if that’s not imaginative enough, the designer buried bright candy-coated almonds inside each nest.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Brittany Devenyi
Source: Janis Nicolay

9 display-worthy DIY Advent calendars

3D Advent calendar

We admit it: sometimes the trickiest part about a DIY project is tracking down the proper supplies. Luckily, West Elm's Advent village has us covered. The kit includes 24 house- and tree-shaped boxes that just need to be glued together. The result? A fabulously festive Christmas decoration. 3D Advent Village, West Elm, $31.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Brittany Devenyi
Source: West Elm

9 display-worthy DIY Advent calendars

Burlap tree Advent calendar

Don’t have time to fashion together an Advent calendar? Purchase one that boasts the same handmade look instead. This burlap tree option from Pottery Barn doubles as a stunning Christmas adornment that will add simple holiday style to your space. Burlap Tree Advent Calendar, Pottery Barn, $82.